Fla. Admin. Code R. 68A-6.01214

Current through Reg. 50, No. 244; December 17, 2024

Section 68A-6.01214 - Standard Caging Requirements for Reptiles and Amphibians

(1) Reptiles.

In addition to requirements for this section, each enclosure shall be provided with an environment or devices that allow for temperature regulation necessary to ensure the well-being of the species. The environment or devices shall be non-injurious, and may include, but are not limited to ambient temperature, hot rocks, artificial lights, natural sunlight and heat strips. Each enclosure shall be provided with a non-injurious substrate, including but not limited to gravel, newspaper, processed wood shavings, rocks, sand, or indoor-outdoor carpet. Arboreal species of snakes or lizards shall be provided with a perch of sufficient height to allow for such specimen to perch or bask without any portion of its body or tail touching the floor, sides or roof of the enclosure. Enclosure sizes for all snakes or lizards shall be based on the total length of the longest specimen in the enclosure.

(a) Snakes and glass lizards.

1. Snakes, except as otherwise provided, and glass lizards:

For up to two specimens, a cage or enclosure having a perimeter equal to the length of the longest specimen, the width of the cage shall be ten inches or not less than 30 percent of the length of the longest specimen which ever is greater, and enclosure shall not be required to exceed 3 feet. For each additional specimen, increase perimeter by 10 percent.

2. Blood pythons or large constrictors that exceed 12 feet upon maturity: Boas, pythons, or anacondas.

a. Specimens up to 5 feet in length.

For up to two specimens, a cage or enclosure 2.5 feet by 1 foot. For each additional specimen increase perimeter by 10 percent. Constrictors of this size possessed for exhibition or sale are exempt from this minimum cage requirement but shall meet the requirements as indicated for snakes and glass lizards.

b. Specimens 5 feet to 12 feet in length.

For up to two specimens, a cage or enclosure with a perimeter equal to 1.25 times the length of the longest specimen. The width of the cage shall not be less than 30 percent of the length of the longest specimen and shall not be required to exceed 3 feet. For each additional specimen, increase perimeter by 10 percent.

c. Specimens greater than 12 feet in length.

For up to two specimens, a cage or enclosure with a perimeter equal to the length of the longest specimen. The width of the cage shall not be required to exceed 3 feet. For each additional specimen, increase perimeter by 10 percent.

(b) Lizards (other than glass lizards).

1. Lizards up to 6 inches in length.

For one or two lizards, a cage or enclosure 12 inches by 8 inches, 6 inches high. For each additional lizard, increase enclosure size by one inch in length and width.

2. Lizards 7 to 12 inches in length.

For one or two lizards, a cage or enclosure 20 inches by 10 inches, 12 inches high. For each additional lizard, increase size by two inches in length and width.

3. Lizards 13 to 24 inches in length.

For one or two lizards, a cage or enclosure 30 inches by 12 inches, 12 inches high. For each additional lizard, increase size by three inches in length and width.

4. Lizards 25 to 36 inches in length.

For one or two lizards, a cage or enclosure 48 inches by 16 inches, 20 inches high. For each additional lizard, increase size by 10 inches or 25 percent in length and width.

5. Lizards 37 inches to 6 feet in length.

For one or two lizards, a cage or enclosure 6 feet by 3 feet, 4 feet high. For each additional lizard, increase size by 25 percent of the original floor area.

6. Lizards over 6 feet in length.

For one or two lizards, a cage or enclosure 9 feet by 6 feet, 4.5 feet high. For each additional lizard, increase the size by 25 percent of original floor area.

(c) Turtles, Tortoises and box turtles.

Each enclosure for turtles, tortoises and box turtles shall have a pool of water. The pool area shall equal no less than two (2) times the shell width by two (2) times the shell length. For turtles, other than tortoises and box turtles, such pool shall allow submersion of the largest turtle. For soft-shelled turtles, a non-abrasive pool bottom is required. Enclosure and pool sizes for all turtles, tortoises and box turtles shall be based upon the size of the largest specimen in the enclosure.

1. Turtles (other than tortoises and box turtles):

For one or two turtles, an enclosure with an area at least five times the shell length by two times the shell width of the largest turtle. The pool area shall equal no less than two times the shell width, by two times the shell length of the largest turtle. A dry resting area equal to the size of the shell of the largest turtle shall be provided. For each additional specimen, increase original floor area and pool area by 10 percent.

2. Tortoises and box turtles:

For one or two tortoises or box turtles, an enclosure with a floor area 10 times the shell size of the largest specimen in the enclosure. For additional specimens, the combined area covered by all their bodies shall not exceed 50 percent of enclosure area.

(d) Crocodilians.

1. For one animal, an enclosure of sufficient size to permit moving and turning both on a dry area and in a pool of water, the water being of sufficient depth to permit submersion.

2. For additional animals, the combined area covered by all their bodies shall not exceed 50 percent of enclosure area.

(e) Amphibians. Aquatic amphibians shall be kept in water filled tanks, or aquaria. Semi-aquatic amphibians shall be kept in enclosures, tanks, or aquaria, with a water area and a dry area that shall permit moving and turning. Both the dry area and the water area shall provide room to accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68A-6.01214

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const.

Adopted by Florida Register Volume 45, Number 181, September 17, 2019 effective 9/30/2019.

New 9-30-19.